Wiper Blade Self-Regulating Fluid Valve and Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blades require driver intervention to apply cleaning liquid and often use excessive amounts, as they lack autonomous control over cleaning fluid application and are sensitive to normal forces, leading to suboptimal wiping performance.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade with a box-shaped section connected via hinge devices, featuring a cavity with valve devices that autonomously release cleaning fluid based on frictional forces during wiping, ensuring optimal wiper angle and minimizing fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If cleaning liquid is applied manually by the driver, then the driver has control over fluid application, but the driver must continuously intervene and excessive fluid is used
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is equipped with a cleaning liquid reservoir and valve devices that enable the blade to autonomously apply cleaning liquid to the window pane during the wiping process. The system self-regulates fluid application based on the wiping action without requiring driver intervention, thereby achieving self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a hydraulic principle where cleaning liquid is stored in a reservoir and released through valve devices controlled by pressure changes during the wiping motion. The frictional forces generated during wiping create pressure variations that automatically open the valves to release fluid, eliminating the need for complex electronic or mechanical control systems.
2Reliability
If the wiper blade is sensitive to normal forces, then the blade can adapt to window curvature, but the wiping performance becomes suboptimal under varying force conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade incorporates a dynamic design where the wiper section can change its angle relative to the window pane based on frictional forces during wiping. The blade transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the wiper angle automatically adjusts to optimal values (45°-55°) under operating conditions, ensuring consistent wiping performance regardless of variations in normal forces applied during the wiping stroke.
3Reliability
If the wiper angle is not optimized, then the blade structure remains simple, but wiping performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where frictional forces generated during the wiping process automatically regulate the wiper angle. The friction force acts as a feedback signal that triggers valve opening at optimal angles (45°-55°), creating a self-regulating system that maintains optimal wiping geometry without requiring external sensors or complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The wiper blade achieves self-regulated cleaning fluid application, optimizing wiper performance by adjusting wiper angle based on frictional forces and reducing fluid usage, while being insensitive to normal forces and maintaining effective operation in winter conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wiper section can be easily and sufficiently deformed due to the articulated connection of its walls via the articulated device in order to set a suitable wiper angle. A small frictional force or transverse force is already sufficient for the corresponding deformation of the wiper section.
Implementation Method 2
featuring a cavity with valve devices that autonomously release cleaning fluid based on frictional forces during wiping
Data Source
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AI summary
The blade (10) has a wiper section (14) with a hollow space (22) and walls (28, 36, 38), which are connected together by a joint device (40). A wiper lip (18) is provided at the wiper section, and limiting elements within the hollow space limit wiping angle (20). Ends (46) of the walls form a gap (42) with a predetermined gap angle (44). The gap angle is selected in such a manner that the wiper angle is adjusted to a minimum of 45 degree to 55 degree. The walls of the wiper section are rigidly and/or firmly or flexibly formed.